NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Criticized for Skipping Hurricane Helene Emergency Vote

Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, was the only state official not to approve the emergency declaration as the storm caused widespread devastation.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper requested emergency powers to respond to Hurricane Helene, which required approval from the Council of State.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson did not participate in the vote, making him the only council member to abstain, despite the storm's severe impact.
Hurricane Helene has resulted in significant destruction across the southeastern U.S., with over 160 fatalities and thousands left without power in North Carolina.
Robinson has publicly criticized Governor Cooper's response to the storm, urging for more resources and National Guard deployment.
The controversy over Robinson's failure to vote comes amid other scandals, including allegations of inappropriate online behavior, affecting his gubernatorial campaign.